This is a question you need to seriously consider, whatever your business is. But before I address it briefly, just what is the Internet, anyway? Most of you have probably at least heard rumblings about it. In case you haven’t, here’s the Wall Street Journal definition; “... the chain of networks that is generally the easiest and cheapest way for businesses to communicate electronically with the outside world.” (From a Nov. 14, 1994, article.) From a user’s perspective, it gives you access from your desktop to a vast and growing array of information, services, and more.

What can the Internet do for you? The exact answer depends on your business, but here are some of the possibilities in a nutshell. It can help you market and sell your products/services. This is the most publicized use of the Internet, and depending on your products or services, can have a marked impact on your business. It can be used as a management tool: to gather, evaluate, and distribute management information. It can also help you communicate within your company, especially if you have staff members who travel, work out of the home, or are stationed in various parts of the country. And it can help your R&D. The Internet still excels at research, its original purpose. Thousands of databases and archives are available on everything. Thousands of periodicals and journals are now accessible through the Internet. And specialized discussion groups and electronic mailing lists cover just about any topic imaginable.